Former Ohio ag chief to back Kasich drilling tax

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) continues to push for his stalled proposal to hike taxes on oil and gas drillers to pay for a modest statewide income tax cut.

The Republican planned Friday to announce former state Agriculture Director Fred Dailey's support for the plan. The news conference will further serve to keep the proposal in the public eye despite it being sidelined in the GOP-controlled state Legislature.

Tom Stewart is executive vice president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association representing drillers. Stewart said he's spoken to lawmakers of both parties who are reticent to raise taxes on companies exploring for oil and gas pockets in shale deposits under eastern Ohio.